Diet Plan For Mothers After A C-Section

Diet Plan For Mothers After A C-Section

Our mothers are superheroes and they take care of us with their whole heart and soul but they themselves don’t make the time to take care of themselves properly. When a woman gives birth to a baby, either vaginally or via a C-section, she goes through a lot of pain and they are at their weakest. This is why every new mom deserves special care and attention. When it comes to a Cesarean delivery, care of a mother is a little different than that of a normal delivery. Taking good care post pregnancy begins with a healthy diet. Take a look at this healthy diet plan for mothers after a C-section.

Essential Nutrients For A New-Mom After C-Section

An ideal and healthy diet plan for mothers after a C-section should be rich in the following nutrients:

#1. Proteins

Proteins are essential for proper healing and growth of new bodily tissues as well as to provide strength to muscles which in turn helps in aiding regular bodily processes. Foods such as eggs, chicken, fish and meats (for non-vegetarians) and milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, and nuts (for vegetarians) are rich in protein.

#2. Vitamins

Vitamins should be an essential part of a woman’s diet after delivery. Vitamin C is a special vitamin required due to its immense ability to fight against bacterial infections and its ability to speed up the process of recovery. Food items such as papayas, oranges, grapes, tomatoes, broccoli, melons and strawberries and rich sources of vitamins.

Also read: Diet Plan When Pregnant With Twins

#3. Fibre

Constipation is a common problem after delivery for many women. It can put a lot of pressure on the wounds which can be dangerous as it may lead to breaking up of stitches. Eating fibrous foods such as raw vegetables, fruits in the form of salads can help ease the symptoms of constipation.

#4. Calcium

Helps in promoting bone and teeth health and relaxes the muscles as well. Calcium also helps in coagulation of blood and preventing harmful diseases like osteoporosis. Milk and milk products like yoghurt are great sources of calcium.

#5. Fluids

Fluids helps in dealing with dehydration, constipation as well as smoothening bowel movements. The requirement of fluids increases especially during breastfeeding as there is a loss of water is involved. Some of the best sources of fluids are soups, coconut water, non- citrus fruit juices and water, of course, as well as other non-caffeinated drinks.

The diet should include food items which are easy to digest to avoid the problem of acidity which is difficult to cure post pregnancxy and it can cause irritation among babies breastfed by mothers. Food item like soups, broth, cottage cheese and yoghurt can be extremely helpful. Essential fatty acids can be obtained from flax seeds and primrose.

Also read:Healthy Diet Plan For Pregnant Women (With Recipes)

Some people get confused while making healthy choices for mothers, so, here is a quick list of food items one should eat and avoid post a C-section.

Foods To Eat After A C-Section

A healthy diet plan for mothers after a C-section should include the following foods:

#1. Whole grains

It helps in boosting energy levels as well as provides healthy nutrients. Therefore, brown bread, pasta, wheat and brown rice can be easily consumed.

#2. Oats

Oats are rich in fibre content and are also a great source of iron, calcium, carbohydrates and proteins.

#3. Low-Fat Dairy Products

Cheese, skimmed milk and low-fat yoghurt are great sources of vitamin B and D, which are extremely important for the process of healing.

#4. Fruits And Vegetables

They are excellent sources of Vitamin A and C which are good for nursing mothers.

#5. Almonds

Almonds are rich in minerals (like copper, calcium, zinc, potassium and manganese), vitamins (like vitamins B12 and E) and acts as a miracle element in enhancing your beauty.

#6. Carom Seeds Or Ajwain

Ajwain helps in soothing the pain caused due to indigestion and also helps in cleansing the uterus. It is rich in thymol, which is not just an antioxidant but is also antifungal, antiseptic as well as antibacterial in nature.

Also read: Diet Plan After C-Section – What to eat & What to avoid

#7. White And Black Sesame Seeds

These seeds are a rich source of iron, calcium, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium.

#8. Fenugreek

Known to prevent joint pain, it is a great source of calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals.

#9. Asafoetida (Hing)

A miracle medicine to cure gastrointestinal issues and easing out flatulence.

#10. Ginger And Garlic

Ginger is rich in vitamins B6 and E, fibre, potassium, magnesium, manganese and selenium and has inflammatory properties. Garlic helps in reducing extra weight post pregnancy.

Foods To Avoid

  • Avoid consumption of acidity causing foods such as green peas, dry peas, chole, rajma, besan, channa and urad dals. Some vegetables like bhindi, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage also cause gas. Onion is best avoided for the first forty days.
  • Caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee should be consumed in minimum quantity as they can act as a hindrance in the growth of your baby.
  • Alcohol rich drinks should be avoided completely as it can stop the secretion of milk and can also cause developmental issues among young ones.
  • Avoid intake of ghee and rice for the first few days after surgery as it can cause a problem in the process of healing. It is believed the scars won’t heal due to the intake of rice which is true only among diabetic mothers as rice can lead to an increase in sugar level in blood.
  • Gastric problems occur mostly due to the intake of fried food, so do avoid them.

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